City delays rezoning plans in Vancouver neighbourhoods
CBC News | Posted: September 28, 2013 4:05 AM | Last Updated: September 28, 2013
City pledges more time, consultation, and new forms of engagement
Vancouver City Council has voted to delay and alter several neighbourhood plans, after hundreds of residents showed up at city hall this week protesting proposed rezoning.
The changes include:
- An extension of at least 12 months for the Grandview Woodland neighbourhood plan, including the creation of a Citizens’ Assembly to provide a new form of public engagement.
- An extension of six months for the Marpole community plan, including additional public consultation events this fall.
- The preservation of single-family neighbourhoods west of Cambie in the Marpole plan.
- Extending the Downtown Eastside Local Area Planning Process, with a report back to Council in January 2014.
In a statement, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said the city is hoping to provide more affordable housing in the communities.
“It’s not an easy process, as people have different opinions about how their neighbourhood should evolve over time. The adjustments we’ve made to the community plans clearly respond to the calls we’ve heard from members of the public who want more time and more opportunities for engagement," Robertson said.
“New community plans are crucial because we have a growing population and a shortage of affordable housing, especially for students, young families and seniors."
On Friday, Green city councillor Adriane Carr said council still wasn't doing enough.
"These communities are saying we don't just want an extended period of time, we want a different kind of engagement that puts us on equal footing with the planning staff," she said.
Earlier this week, about 200 residents descended upon Vancouver City Hall to protest what they say is a lack of consultation on rezoning that will increase density in their neighbourhoods.